Navy to defend Pak maritime interests: Admiral Abbasi

ISLAMABAD: Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Zafar Mahmood Abbasi has reiterated Pakistan Navy’s unflinching resolve to ensure seaward defence of vital maritime infrastructure and protection of the maritime interests of Pakistan against all threats and challenges at all cost.

He was addressing the Command and Staff Conference of Pakistan Navy, which concluded on Wednesday at the Naval Headquarters. The Command and Staff Conference is the apex decision making body of Pakistan Navy in which all chiefs of staff, principal staff officers and field commanders undertake strategic review of Pakistan Navy’s policies and plans.

Matters related to operational preparedness, development plans of Pakistan Navy, the prevailing security situation and training and welfare of troops were reviewed. Detailed briefings on various ongoing and future Pakistan Navy projects and plans were also given to the Chief of the Naval Staff.

Making an overall appraisal of the prevalent security environment, chief of the Naval Staff expressed his utmost confidence over operational preparedness of Pakistan Navy. The admiral also lauded successful conduct of firing of indigenously developed Harbah Naval Cruise Missile. He said that this project was a manifestation of Pakistan Navy’s road map towards indigenisation, and it would enhance combat potential of PN Fleet manifold.

The naval chief also expressed satisfaction over operational readiness of Pakistan Navy in the face of prevalent maritime challenges including security aspects of Gwadar Port and related maritime components of CPEC project, and lauded the morale and motivation of troops at all levels.